EXCLUSIVE: Brexit negotiations should include separate talks on the future of the UK fishing industry to end EU policy control over British waters, Ukip MEP Mike Hookem said.

Mr Hookem said a separate Brexit negotiating table on fisheries would make sure British fishermen regain full control of the UK's waters – putting an end to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the British MEP said: "I am asking for a 200-mile economic zone, which is our right under international law, and I’m asking foreign vessels be kept out of our waters and for British fishermen to fish the British sea.

"Recently the European Union hinted that tariffs would be put on British fish that is being exported into the European Union. I think this would be irresponsible by the European Union if they tried to do this."

But Mr Hookem said any attempt from the EU to impose "irresponsible" new tariffs on British fish after Brexit would be met with popular uproar in the UK and Europe alike.

GETTY/EXPRESS.CO.UK

Mike Hookem said Brexit is a "golden opportunity" to get back control of British waters

He continued: "We would be catching our fish and we would be supplying what is 70 to 80 per cent of fish that goes into Europe from British waters. It would be irresponsible if they tried to stop this or tried to put tariffs on this.

"Many fishmongers around the European Union rely on British fish, they would be screaming out if that supply of fish is stopped."

The CFP is aimed at ensuring that the European fish supplies are equally accessible to all member states and that fishing remains sustainable.

The policy has faced serious criticism from British and Scottish fishermen, with the Scottish Government calling it "the EU's most unpopular and discredited policy".

I’m asking foreign vessels be kept out of our waters

Mike Hookem

But the British Government's Brexit strategy includes plans to keep the CFP using Theresa May's Great Repeal Bill.

Mr Hookem started a petition calling for the UK fishing industry to be removed from the Bill and to be treated as a separate entity outside of CFP influence.

He continued: "With Brexit, we have a golden opportunity to not only reclaim an industry that has formed a part of our heritage for over 2000 years, but which will also be worth over £6 billion pounds a year to our economy.

"The simple fact is, the people of Britain did not vote during the referendum to keep the EU through other means, and especially did not vote to continue handing over the majority of our fishing wealth to Brussels.

"I believe the British Government is not doing enough on this subject. The should be negotiating, screaming up and fighting for British fishermen and British interests in the European Union."